Lyon is an excellent city for family outings. Between its parks, interactive museums, mysterious traboules and gastronomic experiences accessible to all ages, there is more than enough to keep children — and parents — busy for an entire weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Lyon with children, tried and tested by local families.
1. Parc de la Tête d’Or — the great classic
An absolute must with children. The Parc de la Tête d’Or (Lyon 6th) is one of the largest urban parks in France: a free zoo, pedal boats on the lake, a merry-go-round, a play area, a rose garden… Children can easily spend half a day here without getting bored.
Free entry · Open every day
2. Musée des Confluences — science and curiosities
The Musée des Confluences (Lyon 2nd) is spectacular both for its architecture AND its collections. Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, ethnographic collections from around the world — children love it. The temporary exhibitions are often highly interactive.
Free on the first Sunday of each month · Child ticket (5–18 years): £9
3. The traboules of Vieux-Lyon — exploring like adventurers
The traboules are perfect for an exploration game with children. These secret passageways that cut through Renaissance buildings have something almost magical about them. Pick up a map from the Tourist Office and set off on a trail of wooden doors.
Free · Ideal from age 5
4. The funicular up to Fourvière
Children love a funicular ride — and the view from Fourvière is spectacular. The basilica impresses with its scale and golden mosaics. Walk back down via the hillside paths for a stroll through the Renaissance houses.
Standard TCL fare · From age 3
5. Musée Gadagne — puppets and history
The Musée Gadagne in Vieux-Lyon houses one of the world’s most important puppet museums — and Lyon is the birthplace of Guignol! Children discover the universe of puppets across the centuries and cultures.
Free on the first Sunday of each month · Children: free under 18
6. The visit to Le Petit Musée du Vin — for curious children
Yes, Le Petit Musée du Vin is open to children! The trail is designed to be sensory and interactive: visitors touch the soils (granite, clay, chalk), smell the aromas from the olfactory library and play with the touchscreen terminals in 7 languages.
Children love the “science lab” feel of the museum. And during the final tasting, a grape juice alternative is offered to under-18s.
Price: £25 / adult, children welcome as accompanying visitors · Thursday to Sunday
7. Lyon Aquarium
The Musée-Aquarium de Lyon (Rochetaillée-sur-Saône, 20 min from Lyon) offers an underwater experience accessible to all ages: sharks, rays, tropical fish, a reptile room…
8. Parc de Miribel-Jonage — beach and nature
Twenty minutes from the city centre, the Parc de Miribel-Jonage offers a sandy beach, supervised swimming areas in summer, cycling, walking trails and picnic spaces. Lyon’s urban beach, in a sense.
Free entry · Ideal in summer
9. Creative workshop for children
Several Lyon studios offer pottery, drawing or cookery classes for children (from age 6). An original activity that makes a refreshing change from the standard museum visit.
10. Croix-Rousse market on Sunday morning
The marché de la Croix-Rousse is an experience in itself. Children discover local producers, taste cheeses and watch market gardeners at work. A wonderful way to awaken young palates.
Practical tips for a family outing in Lyon
- Getting around: the metro and trams are accessible with pushchairs. Vélo’v (Lyon’s bike-share) has child options on certain models.
- Restaurants: Lyon’s bouchons are family-friendly; some offer a children’s menu.
- Budget: allow £15–30 / child per paid activity.
For a weekend outing, our guide to things to do in Lyon on a Sunday gives ideas suited to all ages, including the museums that are free on the first Sunday of the month. If you are planning several days in the city, our 2-day Lyon itinerary covers the most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Before visiting the museum, check the practical information for accessibility and opening times — and visit the museum page to understand the full experience.
Lyon with children is a city within reach of curiosity.